Its population is forecast to reach about 24-25 million people by 2030, including 18-19 million in urban areas and 6-7 million in rural areas. The region will have about 18-19 million workers.

The region is expected to become a centre of economics, trade, finance, scientific research and services, hi-tech industry and agriculture, culture, education-training and health care in the country and Southeast Asia.

It will be developed towards sustainability and climate change adaptation with modern technical infrastructure, with Ho Chi Minh City an economic centre.

The region is planned as an international trade centre of Vietnam, particularly the south, as well as a gateway to connect key economic regions in the south, the Mekong Delta, the Central Highlands and the south central coastal region.